Units – Debye as a measure of electric dipole moment Electric dipole moment is often reported in Debye (D). Choose the correct SI-equivalent for 1 Debye.

Introduction:The Debye (D) is a convenient unit for molecular-scale dipole moments used in chemistry, materials science, and dielectrics. Converting Debye to SI units (C·m) helps compare theoretical predictions and experimental measurements consistently.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Definition of dipole moment p as charge × separation.
• Standard conversion constants between cgs electrostatic and SI units.

Concept / Approach:

By definition, 1 Debye ≈ 3.335 64 × 10^-30 C·m. For most engineering calculations, 3.33 × 10^-30 C·m is used as a rounded value. This small magnitude reflects molecular-scale separations and elementary charges in polar molecules.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Typical water dipole moment ≈ 1.85 D translates to ≈ 6.17 × 10^-30 C·m, consistent with literature values.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Options with m^2 have wrong dimensions; 10^-10 C·m is orders of magnitude too large; 10^-28 C·m is also incorrect.

Common Pitfalls:

Mixing up cgs and SI, or confusing Debye with Coulomb-meter-squared.

Final Answer:

3.33 × 10^-30 C·m